FACULTY

Roney Eford, MSSM

roney.eford@marquette.edu

Roney Eford is no stranger to sports. He was a student-athlete on Marquette University’s basketball team and then was a professional basketball player for eight years in Asia and Europe. He has traveled to over 25 countries and has lived in eight different countries. Consequently, he is conversational in German, Spanish, and Japanese. At the end of his career, he founded and held administrative positions in minor league sporting teams. He has held the title of owner, general manager, scout, and head coach within the sporting world.

Roney was a physical education teacher, and developed curriculum within the areas of sports and health. He is the founder and director of the Roney Eford Basketball Academy, which focuses on fundamental skill development in youths. He is also a consultant to many international teams in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Mr. Eford is the founder and executive director of Pinnacles for Youth, a non-profit focused on enhancing the lives of youths. 

Courses Taught

• International Sports

Education

• University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ph.D. Educational Sociology (student)
• Cardinal Stritch University, M.S. Sports Management
• Marquette University, B.A. Communication and Rhetorical Studies
  
  

Professional Experience

• Adjunct Instructor, Marquette University College of Professional Studies
• Research and Project Assistant, Center of Canadian and American Urban Policy Studies, UWM (2010 - Present)
• Physical Education, Geography and Health Teacher, Young Leaders Academy (2009 - Present)
• Athletic Director and Founder, The Roney Eford Basketball Academy (2003 - Present)
• Executive Director, Pinnacles for Youth, Inc. (2007 - Present)
• Graduate Assistant Men's Basketball Coach, Cardinal Stritch University (2008 - 2010)
• Teacher, Maple Dale/Indian Hill School District (2007 - 2009)
• Consultant for athletic and educational organizations (2006 - Present)
• General Manager/Head Coach, Brooklyn Wonders (2005 - 2006)
• Owner and President, New Jersey Skycats (2004 - 2005)
• NBA Scout (2004)
• International Professional Basketball Player (1996 - 2004) -
  Played professional basketball for eight seasons for the following teams: Portugal Telecom Lisboa (Won First Division Championship), Steiner Bayreuth Germany, Beijing Aoshen China, OSG-Phoenix Japan, Denso Hoop Gang Japan, Switzerland, Wevelgem-Belgium, USBL, CBA, Israel, Samsung-Korea, and the NBA Milwaukee Bucks Summer League.

Research Interests

• International Sports
• Sports Business
• Sports Communication
• Sports Sociology
• Student-Athlete Academics
• Youth Sports
• Urban Education